Fermanagh Country singer Karl Kirkpatrick will be giving it his best shot next Tuesday, April 23 when he competes in the Grand Final of Glór Tíre, Irish language station TG4's long-running Country Music show, and one of the most prestigious award titles in Irish Country.

The final will be broadcast live on TG4 at 9.30pm, with talented Karl set to represent Fermanagh hopes in style.

The 30-year-old farmer from Derrygonnelly, County Fermanagh, will be counting on public support and votes to win the prestigious title, and has been quietly preparing for the all-important broadcast.

Karl has kept a sensible approach, humbly saying: “What will be, will be”.

He’s been enjoying his experience so far, having previously wowed Glór Tíre judges back in March, who sent him straight through to the upcoming final.

“The experience so far has been brilliant – the opportunity of a lifetime. I never thought I’d be doing this!”

That first appearance saw Karl perform two Dolly Parton/Porter Wagoner numbers and duet with Claudia Buckley, who recently won the 'Female Entertainer Of The Year' at this year’s Hot Country TV awards.

“To sing with Claudia was a real highlight. I was nervous and waiting to see what the first mistake would be,” Karl says, adding with a laugh: “Thank God we didn’t make a mistake!”

Every bit of support from the singer’s native county is deeply appreciated by Karl. “Ah, it's been brilliant! Everyone has been talking about it.

“Everywhere you go, people stop to talk to you about it. The support has been amazing in the local town.”

Karl will be hoping that support and interest translates well to a county and wider audience, with the Derrygonnelly man looking for every vote going next Tuesday night.